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A rainbow waterfall of fireworks will cascade from Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the dramatic technicolour fireworks would confirm Sydney as the New Year’s Eve capital of the world and celebrate Australians saying ‘Yes’ to marriage equality.

"This is a fabulous way to see out 2017 – the year that four out of five Sydneysiders said a resounding 'Yes' to marriage equality," the Lord Mayor said.

"The rainbow waterfall is a well-earnt tribute to the Sydney 78ers who marched for gay rights 40 years ago – it's a reminder of how far we have come and how far we have left to achieve true equality for our LGBTI community. It's a wonderful way to ring in the New Year, and celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mardi Gras.

"With more fireworks than ever before, this year's Sydney NYE celebration guarantees to be the biggest, brightest and best in the world.

"Sydney New Year's Eve contributes an estimated $133 million to the local economy and puts Sydney on the map as a global city for tourism, business, events and creativity on every level."

It takes Sydney fireworks director Fortunato Foti and the crew from Sydney family company Foti Fireworks International more than 5,000 hours to create the New Year's Eve display.

"The challenge this year was to create never-before-seen displays. Out of this we've created some great effects that I'm looking forward to sharing with the people of Sydney and the world," Mr Foti said.

"This waterfall effect is a first for the bridge and we've chosen the rainbow colours that work best for fireworks: red, yellow, green, blue, purple and silver."

Mr Foti says there will be more than 100,000 individual pyrotechnic effects on the night, setting a new record for the annual event's 9pm and midnight displays, with:

8 tonnes of fireworks – 1 tonne more than in 201613,000 shells – 1,000 more than 201630,000 shooting comets – 5,000 more than 2016

Inner-Sydney artist Nadia Hernández is the creative artist for this New Year's Eve and a series of bright artwork designs have inspired vibrant colour palette for the fireworks.

This year the 9pm and midnight firework display and the dramatic lighting effects beamed from the Sydney Harbour Bridge will feature new pastel shades, including bright orange, pink, lime green and light blue.

Her artwork designs also feature inspirational words, including wonder, harmony, hope and together, which will feature in the animations projected onto the harbour bridge pylons on the night.

"I included these words in the New Year's Eve artworks because they reflect my love of Sydney and send a positive message of hope for Australia and the world as we move into a new year," Ms Hernández said.

"The words and colours are all about what a wonderful place Sydney is in summer – spending time outdoors with family and with friends – and that sums up New Year's Eve in Sydney, too.

"It's such an honour to have been chosen by the City to be the creative artist for New Year's Eve. This project really has been a dream come true for me."

This year the Welcome to Country will include a tribute marking the 50th anniversary of the Sydney-San Francisco sister city relationship that will be celebrated in 2018.

A message from the Muwekma Ohlone peoples of the San Francisco Bay area will be projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylons at the close of the evening's Welcome to Country.

Sydney New Year’s Eve creative consultant Rhoda Roberts AO said the message marked a close connection between the two cities' First Peoples.

"There is a lovely connection between Sydney and San Francisco – both cities are very similar in their geography and both cities have a strong and vibrant Indigenous culture," Ms Roberts said.

"There's a great synergy between the histories of the First Peoples of these two great cities. The language, the stories and the rituals of the Indigenous peoples here and in San Francisco have survived recognised and honoured, and are still strong today."

At the close of New Year's Eve Welcome to Country, the following words in the language of the Muwekma Ohlone people will appear: "Makkin Mak Muwekma Wolwoolum, Akkoy Mak-Warep, Manne Mak Hiswi!", which translates: "We Are Muwekma Ohlone, Welcome To Our Land, Where We Are Born, San Francisco Bay Area".

San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee said the city was proud to be Included in Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations.

"We are honored that 2018 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the founding of our Sister City friendship which has built common understanding, cooperation and partnership across the Pacific," Mayor Lee said.

"In January our San Francisco delegation will be visiting your beautiful city and joining with your citizens in celebrating 50 years of friendship and to set the foundation for another 50 years of citizen diplomacy.”

Getting in and out of the city centre is different on New Year’s Eve. There will be road closures, on-street fencing and diversions to help people get around safely and move crowds to transport. Visit sydneynewyearseve.com for detailed information.

The Pride in London Parade will tomorrow be officially launched by members of the emergency services in honour of their commitment and bravery in recent tragic events.

London's Fire and Rescue service, the Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance service have all nominated LGBT+ colleagues to officially open the Pride in London Parade this Saturday 8 July at 1pm. Those LGBT+ colleagues who were involved in the recent Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, the London Bridge terror attack and the Westminster terror attack will be joined by the Rt. Hon. Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Ian Adams, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, members of the volunteer run Pride in London board and flagbearers showing flags from countries around the world - in particular the 72 countries where it’s still illegal to be LGBT+. They include:

Acting Inspector Natasha Walker who works as a community Inspector in Tower Hamlets. She has been a police officer for 16 years and is currently assisting with police community liaison after the Grenfell fire.

Jules Lockett, Head of Control Services Training for London Ambulance who supported the control room staff and attended in a support role at Grenfell.

Group Manager Norman Perry who representing the London Fire Brigade. He is a group manager and interagency liaison officer and was heavily involved with the London Fire Brigade response at several of the recent major incidents.

Marking 50 years since Parliament first voted to partially legalise homosexuality in the UK, which applied to England and Wales only, Pride in London will be marching with a global message of hope, acceptance, activism and love and in a show of solidarity to LGBT+ people living in Northern Ireland which has yet to legalise same sex marriage. The theme Love Happens Here is a much needed antidote to hate and the Parade will be a protest against hate. A recent hate crime report showed nearly half of LGBT+ people in London say they’ve experienced hate crime compared with a national figure of 18%.

With over 330 groups including around 80 floats, the Pride in London Parade is set to be the biggest and most colourful yet as it shuts down Oxford Street, Europe's busiest shopping street. An estimated 26,500 people are due to take part in the Parade and there is expected to be 1 million people attending Pride, making it London's largest single day outdoor event. Over 60% of parade groups are non-profit and community groups with others including LGBT+ employee networks, religious and political groups, trade unions and musical and sporting organisations.

The Parade will be the pinnacle of what is believed to the be the world’s largest Pride Festival – with well over 100 events since Saturday 24 June, and will officially close on Sunday 9 July, where awards for best new group, best walking group and best float amongst others will be announced at Pride in the Park with UK Black Pride at 4:15pm on Sunday in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens.

The community will come together next week for IDAHOT celebrations and for the second time in its history the Parramatta City Council will fly the rainbow flag. The council will raise the flag at Centenary Square in Parramatta on Wednesday 17 May to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. the Parramatta Queer Forum (PQF) will be hosting an information stall in front of the Town Hall from 11.30am to 2pm, supported by PFLAG, ACON, PCC, NSW POLICE, Headspace and Twenty10, So come along and witness history and take a moment to reflect on how important IDAHOT is.

Speaking of fabulous – two years on and going strong, 'Turbo Trivia' at Campbelltown RSL is on Friday the 26 May, and is held on the LAST Friday of every month. Also at Campbelltown RSL on the 2nd Friday of every Month is Naughty Numbers – Bingo with a Twist. Both nights starting at 7pm with hostess LayDee KinMee and concluding with a live performance at 9pm by my very talented daughter. All of this in a fabulous gay-friendly environment and it’s FREE to play with$150 in club vouchers to be won on both nights. Drags to Bitches will also return to the RSL for 6th time on 24 June but be quick it will sell out it always does For more info : www.campbelltownrsl.com.au

The following weekend on the 3rd of June Heaven will Celebrate Our 10th Birthday Party & Haven Charity Night at The Mounties Bowling Club, Fairfield From 6:30pm-12:30am.Shows at 8, 9 & 10 pm with Dj Shaft on the decks and an array of Special guest performers AND it's only $15 entry on the door with All proceeds from the night going directly to The Western Suburbs Haven Inc. I hope to see you at Heaven to celebrate it’s first double-digit birthday (10 years) and giving back to the community. We a Heaven Social Dance have raised well over $18,210 for charity since first starting in 2007 + We raised over $7, 863 dollars going to Acon & Western Suburbs Haven Inc in the 4 years of running Kaleidoscope Social Dance, that is a total of $26,073 (As Of March 2017) We hope to make it $30,000 by the end of year with your help that was my dream goal 10 years ago and I’m hoping it will come true this year .. So come early for dinner (from 6pm) and catch up with friends and have chat before the shows that start at 8pm. For Info : www.heavensocialdance.com

Wow - Congratulations to LayDee KinMee She will make her way overseas to Vienna for a week to Represent Australia at EUROpride in Vienna at the Rainbow Island Party on the 9 June and will team up with Conchita Wurst & Courtney Act ... I am so proud of my little girl she's all grown up NOW :)

OMG how time flies it will be soon time to plan for the June long weekend when the GLBTQI Community take over the Blue mountains with something for everybody from exhibitions to dance party to a ball and it all starring on Friday with BentART. BentART is an annual exhibition held on the long weekend in June at Wentworth Falls. The annual event attracts approximately 60 artists and over 150 works of art and is visited by hundreds of people over the weekend from Friday night the 9th of June at 6:30pm ( Opening ) til Monday the 12th of June. Will be open to the public on Saturday & Sunday from 10am-5pm, + Monday between 10am-2pm only. For more info : www.bentart.com.au

Here are a few things to pop in the Diary…

On Saturday The 10th June, The three sisters social group will be holding their 36th Annual " Disco - Dance Party " at the Blackheath Community Centre from 715pm - 12:15am. Entry $25 + There will also be a performance of the fabulous GAYNOR TENSION & Madani Trani in '' Divas Las Vegas". Take it from me be there early if you want to get a table as it's the biggest event of the year in the mountains with over 400 people packing the community centre. Following this is the 36th Annual queen's ball - '' Fabulous Fifties '' on Sunday 11th June at the Fairmont Hotel, Leura … $140 OMG the ball will sold out completely. For more Info: 82300889 or www.threesisterssocial.asn.au

DRAG GOSSIP: It's been two years since she CLUTCHed her ham bag and left a very successful production show to launch her own show two years later !! But is it slowly catching up to the successful Drags to Bitches production shows that have sold out over 30 shows in the last 3 years at venues across Sydney & Canberra !! .. And with the cold weather just around the corner and a lack of work and venues .. it seems a lot of drag queens are rushing to enter talent quest " RGT #3 " but who will make it through the three-month ordeal to win a $1000 what a fabulous idea free entertainment for three months From 11Aug - 24Nov NOW that's what I call a marathon talent quest !! only time will tell gorgeous. Sometimes it's just so hard keeping up with gossip and recently so much is going around. So if you have any gossip email me or message me - Totally confidential gorgeous!!!

The chart-topping, Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, Nelly Furtado, touches down to close out Sunday’s Pride Island on June 25, 2017.

Gaining steam in the year 2000 with her debut album, Whoa, Nelly!, the Portuguese-Canadian singer hasn’t slowed down since. Furtado’s spell-bounding solo hits such as “I’m Like a Bird,” “Turn off the Light” and “Say It Right” are impressed in the history of pop music. Her collaborative pop smashes with Timbaland for “Promiscuous” and “Give It to Me” featuring Justin Timberlake, will move the crowd for Sunday’s dynamic closing.

With a career that spans two decades, five albums under her belt, and more than 16 million records sold worldwide,

Nelly Furtado is back in the limelight. Her recent studio album, The Ride, is a bold comeback project taking fans along a spectacular ride with her. And that ride is scheduled to make quite a landing at Pride Island.

“Pride Island was created to celebrate the heart of our community with each day representing a different musical sound,” said Jose Ramos, Pride Island Director. “Nelly Furtado closing out our three-day experience will be one for the record books.”

Pride Island is a three-day cultural experience featuring vocal powerhouses Deborah Cox and Patti LaBelle on Friday and indie pop duo Tegan and Sara and British electronica trio, Years & Years, on Saturday. Rounding out Saturday, Róisín Murphy, Gallant, Dimitri from Paris, and Occupy The Disco are scheduled to perform. Chus & Ceballos, Cindel, and Scott Martin will join Nelly Furtado for Sunday’s finale.

NYC Pride announced today its four Grand Marshals scheduled to lead the 48th NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 25, 2017. The American Civil Liberties Union, Brooke Guinan, Krishna Stone, and Geng Le will lead this year’s critical demonstration of LGBT Pride and protest.

● The American Civil Liberties Union has been the United States’ uncompromising defender of individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution for nearly 100 years. The ACLU brought its first LGBT rights case in 1936, brought the first case seeking the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in 1970, litigated the Supreme Court cases that took down the Defense of Marriage Act that won marriage equality nationwide, and represented transgender student Gavin Grimm before the Supreme Court.

● Brooke Guinan is a 29-year-old trans woman; an advocate, civil servant, firefighter, and native New Yorker. Guinan has been honored by the New York City Comptroller’s office, the Public Advocate’s office, the Metropolitan Community Church of New York, and the FDNY for her service to the LGBTQ community.

● Krishna Stone is the Director of Community Relations at Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC). She originally connected with GMHC in 1986 as a walker in the first annual AIDS Walk New York and became a staff member in 1993. In 2014, Stone received an award from the NYC Health Department for outstanding dedication to combating the spread of HIV.

● Geng Le is a leader in the burgeoning movement for LGBT equality in the People’s Republic of China. Geng set up one of the earliest gay social websites in China—Danlan.org in 2002. In 2012, he created Blued—a gay men social networking app after quitting his job working as a policeman for 16 years. On World AIDS Day 2016, Geng donated 1 million RMB to China AIDS Fund to support Chinese non-governmental organizations for HIV prevention.

“In the social and political turmoil brought by the current Administration, the ACLU, Brooke, Krishna, and Geng represent the components of what will ultimately be a successful resistance movement,” said Julian Sanjivan, NYC Pride March Director. “Our 2017 Grand Marshals are a snapshot of the numerous organizations, individuals, and philanthropists that will lead us through this unprecedented time in our nation.”

The 48th NYC Pride March will kick off at noon on June 25, at 5th Avenue and 36th Street in Manhattan. The route proceeds through Midtown on 5th Avenue and ends at Christopher and Greenwich Streets.

NYC Pride’s 2017 theme, “We Are Proud,” speaks to the LGBT community’s unwavering ability to rise and be proud, even while under attack by a hostile political environment.

Registration for the 2017 NYC Pride March is open until May 16, 2017 at www.nycpride.org.

“This year’s theme speaks to the striking nature of the human race to stand in commonality and be accounted for in moments of thrilling victory and tumultuous times,” said Maryanne Roberto Fine, NYC Pride Co-Chair.

NYC Pride is thrilled to announce 2017’s official theme, “We Are Proud.” This year's theme pays honor to our diverse community of LGBT people and the progress made for LGBT rights. “We Are Proud” similarly recognizes the continued battle for freedom and liberty amidst the existing political climate in the United States and abroad.

“We are the ever-evolving LGBTQ community and the tireless work of women and people of color. We are the valiant immigrants and refugees who found places to call home in America and around the globe. We are an undaunted community with disabilities and we are the rising youth and wise elders of yesteryear. We are etched into the very fabric of American history. And we are proud of it,” said Roberto Fine.

The 2017 NYC Pride week will take place from June 16 to June 25. This year’s roster will include the March, Rally, PrideFest, OutCinema, Teaze and a new multi-day cultural experience on Pier 26.

Well our first dance for the year at a ''NEW CLUB'' Fairfield Mounties Bowling Club on 04 February was a huge success. With over 110 people there on night it was an exceptional turnout. Thank you to LayDee KinMee for hosting, to the performers in PopUp Drag who entertained us = Stacey Aphrodite, Carrie Marr, Annie P (1st), Terra Part (3rd) and Anita Root (2nd), and special performance by Koko D'Vyne. Thank you also to Ophelia Shaft (DJ), Cliff (Door and Lighting), Rob from EGOmedia - Au (Photos and Backdrop) George (Videos) and Ann-Marie (SSO)

Thank you to everyone who came and made it a fantastic night. We look forward to seeing everyone again on 1st April. Thank you all and we love you. Love from Beverly , Greg and Ian .

Again thank you to all the patrons and bar staff. It was great to see so many people. www.heavensocialdance.com

I'm starting to get excited coming up this weekend Saturday 11th February is The Polly's Club Mardi Gras Dance Will Present '' Friends Of Dorothy '' At The Marrickville Town Hall From 7pm-12am Entry $25 the show is produced by Daisy with the Polly's cast, Prize for best dressed PS be there early otherwise you'll be standing up .. www.thepollysclub.com.au

Also in February the NEW V-Bar Social Dance at Coolibah Hotel Merrylands with the night providing something for everybody V-Bar upstairs and Karaoke downstairs. People now have something to do on a Friday night the next dance is 17th February from 7pm-12am $10 Music by Dj Shaft with a Madonna Tribute show with Melicious Dámage , Delilah VonTramp & Victoria A Bitch ... fingers crossed people will supported it on a Friday night because they did not support the LGBTQ event there Friday night might be a winner ?? Remember in 2014 people said two social dances in western Sydney was '' TOO MUCH '' so we reduced heaven to 6… but after last weekend’s huge success for the heaven at new club, maybe people want more ,more, more ??? Only time will only tell gorgeous.

The fabulousity which is Fair Day Sunday 19th February , started as soon as we exited the car and were approached by a young man who offered us a "service" in the laneway in glebe last year .. considering it was the second time in 18 years that I have attended Fair Day as a boy and I still nearly got lucky, he made me feel like a dirty old man so we ran off to Victoria Park to join in the festivities... But this year fair day is on the move to a NEW LOCATION = Camperdown Memorial Rest Park , Newtown.. Fair Day will an eye opener this year as I will be just one of thousands check out the new park! Just one of thousands the people sitting on a blanket in front of the main stage. It's a sign that I really am a nobody, nobody will recognised me or will they after being plastered all over the Liverpool & Fairfield Champion (the local paper) in and out of DRAG !! OMG !!

When Fair Day is over you know the Parade is soon to follow on 04 March . After walking and working the parade for 17 years, this year be any different lol As last year I watched the parade and enjoyed it so much now I'm getting older, it seems the route gets longer... despite offers to be part of a float, this will be the second year in a row that I will be watching the parade from VIP Area and dashing off to the party with my partner in crime. I just had too much fun last year at the Party out of drag. I'd like to see more floats and social groups from the West be involved, it seems everyone splits into other groups at Mardi Gras time when it should be a time that we unite?

It's going to be a huge year for the all NEW Queer Radio Sydney 89.3fm .. Start on Monday 16 January 2017 A Gay Music Program Supporting L.G.B.T.Q Artists / Dj's / and Music + A lot of fun along the way... AS FOLLOWED: The 1st & 3rd Monday of every month will be Beverly Buttercup, Nikki fashion & Jeremy Smith ... The 2st & 4th Monday of the month will be Pandora Box , Fifi Fo'Fum & Kitty Puss... The 5th Monday = 29May, 31Jul, 30Oct 2017 Will be just a music program with a (LGBTQ) Dj in the studio.. ON THE RADIO 89.3FM & ONLINE EVERY MONDAY FROM 10PM -12AM All inquiries & Feedback should be put in writing : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Advertised- Sponsor on QRS 89.3Fm, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.www.893fm.com.au

DRAG GOSSIP

Which Western Sydney drag queen now feels the need to attack me/heaven just to promote something she's doing !! Last time I pay her for anything gorgeous. In other gossip, which former Western Sydney drag superstar has been BANNED from all the Asian fabric shops ? Apparently she was caught putting things in her bag while she was walking around the show Oh no !! And which Western Sydney Drag star might have bitten off more than she can chew by working up to 6 nights a week ? = BREAKDOWN

A brand new year and a brand new me ! WoW hasn't it started with a bang?

With over 350 people packing the auditorium at Mounties for "Drag In The New Year" by the show casts of Drags to Bitches what a fabulous show what a fabulous way to end the year and start the new year!

It looks like its going to be an interesting year in Western Sydney.

NEWSFLASH!

89.3Fm 2GLF is the local non-profit community broadcaster for the Liverpool and Fairfield region. Our programming covers all aspects of the community with local information, ethnic programming, specialist music and local event coverage. The station is run and managed by volunteers from the local area. In addition to the station FM broadcast, it is streamed on our website www.893fm.com.au and all program are available On Demand for a four week period after broadcast and have supported fabulous LGBTQ Programs like : Out West And Proud Program , Lesbians On Air , Queer Out West & NOW Queer Radio Sydney over the last 35 Years.

By now you know that we have put Queer Out West to rest on 2 November I spat the dummy and cancelled the program for many different reasons? After Guide To Gay and the gay newspaper, SX, ran a story on the program I was inundated with feedback in regards to the need to continue with the program so I met with some of the presenters and ask them what they like to continue doing the program in a different format as I (Beverly) did not want to return to the studio weekly after doing the program for 15 years I feel new people need to step up.

So former Out West & Proud 89.3Fm and Queer TV Presenter Pandora Box & Kitty Puss have agreed to come in fortnightly so I can have some time out.

Also Nikki Facchin and Jeremy Smith and Fifi Fo'Fum will return The NEW program Will be QUEER RADIO SYDNEY as from 16 January 10pm-12am On the Radio & Online www.893fm.com.au

The first and third Monday of every month will be Beverly Buttercup, Nikki fashion and Jeremy Smith.

The second and fourth Monday of the month will be Pandora Box, Fifi Fo'Fum & Kitty Puss.

The fifth Monday = 29May, 31Jul, 30Oct 2017 will be just a music program with a special guest (LGBTI) Dj in the studio.

I look forward to hearing your feedback in regards to the new program which will mainly focus on supporting LGBTI singer/songwriter's Gay music with a little community info special guest interviews and a lot of fun along the way.

We will also be do a LIVE chat during the program every Monday night from 10pm-12am on www.facebook.com/groups/queerradiosydney

Not very often my GOSSIP comes true.

But this time it has with Palms West Social Dance calling it a day after 6 social dances they have decided to walk away after discovering you can't please everybody.

Two events in 2016 were still able to write a $1500 cheque for Twenty10 so that was pretty fabulous... don't you think?! but don't despair out with the old and in with the new?

The new you say???

There is a brand-new nights starting on Friday nights to replace the gap left by Palms it will be run by one of Western Sydney's baby drag /up-and-coming drag queen Victoria A Bitch.

The night will be call V-BAR at the Coolibah hotel, Merrylands from 20th Jan, 17Fab & 17Mar to start with from 7pm-12am $10 Shows 9:30 & 10:30pm with Dj Jay Cee, Fingers crossed it lasted longer than PWSD did at the Coolibah So come on Western Sydney you need get out and support the social events.

Also in other news...

After 7 years at the same club (OMFG) Heaven Social Dance make the big move to a NEW Club on 4th February @ Mounties Bowling Club, (5Minute Walk From Fairfield Train Station) from 6:30pm -12:30am $10 Shows 9:30 & 10:30pm Hosted By LayDee KinMee with PopUp Drag Upsized = Prizes 1st $100, 2nd $60, 3rd $40 who will take home the CASH with 4 fabulous performance lock in of the opening night.

Looks to be a big one so come and check it out new club we have the whole club to our self to party in.

We at heaven look forward to celebrating 10 year this year supporting LGBTQ Community and hopefully we can break our record of donations over $30,000 in 2017 with your support. www.heavensocialdance.com

DRAG GOSSIP:

K is for Karma what goes around comes around, remember that Girls and Boys not mentioning any names it has happened to all of us in the past. I could also say people in Glass Houses shouldn't throw stones. Being a bully and a hypocrite and spreading rumours does not make you popular...

Year in and year out the Mardi Gras rumour mill goes into full swing with people placing bets on who the special guests will be at the Party after the parade.

The camp production, the killer sounds, sights and celebrities makes a Mardi Gras show one of the most spectacular moments on the calendar each year... and we all love to guess who it may or may not be!

This year, there are heaps of artists headed down under for the summer touring season - so we want to know who you think MAY be at the party this year - joining the incredible Tegan and Sara as performers at the Mardi Gras Party.